Hello darlings! Welcome to another #TutuTuesday, and boy oh boy, do we have a fabulous blast from the past for you today! This is Post 3073 on the www.pink-tutu.com website and my lovely little tutus, as ever, we're diving back into history, exploring the magnificent world of ballet and the evolution of the tutu!
Today, November 18th, 1890, we're waltzing back in time to the end of the Victorian Era, an age of grandeur, corsets, and...well, you know where I'm going with this, don't you? Tutus!
You see, darlings, tutus weren't just an iconic symbol of ballet back then; they were the embodiment of fashionable extravagance. Think cascading layers of tulle, shimmering with sequins, all flowing like the most magical, twirly clouds you could imagine.
Of course, we're not talking about the romantic tutu we know and love today. Back in 1890, the focus was on creating an impression of airiness, grace, and elegance, with the emphasis on flowing lines and flowing fabrics. They used to be called 'The Ballet Dress' which always struck me as a bit underwhelming, 'Tutu' sounds so much more dramatic and glamorous!
As we're talking about 1890s ballet, I simply must mention the incomparable, the iconic "Swan Lake." 🦢 Oh darling, just imagining that dramatic swan costume, so ethereal, so enchanting. I feel a flutter in my own ballerina heart! Back then, 'Swan Lake' wasn't just a ballet; it was a symbol of refined beauty and theatrical mastery, and those glorious tutu costumes were integral to conveying that enchanting magic on stage.
Speaking of stage magic, today marks the opening night of 'The Sleeping Beauty' at the Mariinsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg. Isn't that a delightful coincidence? Just imagine that spectacle – tutus, opulent sets, captivating dancers – pure bliss!
My goodness, I wish I had been there myself, but alas, time travel is still a little dodgy with the logistics of time travelling between shows. I'm saving up my performances for a good old-fashioned 19th century grand tour! Imagine, opera houses, grand ballets, and of course, endless possibilities for tutu shopping in all those fascinating ateliers! Just thinking about it gets me excited for a tutu spree, darling!
Right now, I'm sitting in the very plush train carriage en route to London for a little fashion excursion to Harrods - a bit of a whirlwind trip for me, as it only takes about 3 hours on the train from my Derbyshire home!
Speaking of fashion... Oh! Do tell me about the trends in tutus from that era! Imagine... pastel shades, delicate embroideries, those layers of tulle just swirling in the air – pure romance! They were the very epitome of grace and femininity, with a touch of dramatic extravagance. It was a tutu that truly made you stand out and, well, be the absolute picture of a lady on stage!
Now, let me give you a little peak into what inspired me this week! I am absolutely in love with a lovely 1890's era Victorian-inspired design by a new independent designer, I must pop into his shop and purchase a delightful silk satin tutu and have a new one made in the classic cream shade - its going to be perfect with a crisp white shirt for my new tutu and fashion photos. The whole outfit oozes 19th-century femininity, and well... I just love a little touch of vintage, don’t you?
So darling, as I sip my tea (with a few extra dollops of cream!), do you fancy some vintage inspiration? Have you found yourself a gorgeous vintage inspired tutu? What colour is yours? Maybe some pretty pinks and pastels or classic white? Share your vintage tutu style in the comments below!
See you next Tuesday for another Tutu Tale! #TutuTuesday #BalletHistory #VictorianEra #VintageTutu #PinkTutu
xx Emma
